JustSwanningAround in 2009:
A bit of a mixed year with the weather affecting some plans but a gradual improvement making for some good photo opportunites through-out the year. Aircraft photography seemed to be gradually declining in opportunities as cutbacks and committments to other theatres of action meant fewer aircraft at low level in the north. Travel was mainly in this country so at last a chance to explore soem areas not seen for many years. So this page will gradually add in some of the photo hightlights of our year, and I hope that you enjoy looking through them!
JustSwanningAround in 2009
Staward and the Allen Valley
Site of Staward Peel, an old fortified dwelling on a dramatic steep sided ridge, the Allen Valley holds many lovely photo opportunities throughout the year. Bulbs in spring, verdant vegetation in the summer, wonderful autumn colours and then dramatic ice and mist in the winter. The stonework in this view is Gingle Pot, now a scenic ruin but once a farm and a pub!
Elterwater reflections
Elterwater in the height of the Langdale valley in the Lake District is well known for its slow moving river and lakes. Often a good spot for capturing reflections of the Langdale Pikes, especially when they are sunlit, sometimes even a poorer day can bring plenty of photo opportunities, such as this view capturing the lovely autumn colours and people walking along the path through the fields.
Eskdake Show, Cumbria.
The Eskdale Show in Cumbria, set against the back drop of the Lakekand Fells, is the country's premier Show for Herdwicks. The Herdwick sheep traditionally have their wool ruddied up (made red) with dye for shows. This is a wonderful opportunity to see sheep in slightly more glamorous clothes than their usual bedraggled wooly coats!
The Show is always held on the last Saturday of September.
Gateshead Millenium Bridge animation
The Gateshead Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian and cyclist bridge crossing the River Tyne and linking Gateshead to Newcastle upon Tyne. The bridge is often referred to as the 'Blinking' or 'Winking Eye Bridge' due to its elliptical shape and its rotational movement as shown in the short animation shown below. The bridge which was designed by architects Wilkinson Eyre has won numerous national and international awards.
The animation below was taken from the viewing platform on the north side of the Baltic art centre, and it is made up of several hand held photos to help show the opening and closing of this lovely bridge.
Cornwall
Cornwall brought many wonderful photo opportunities but these cattle gave a slight different view on what life was like in these parts!
Alnwick tree house
A dramatic tree house on several levels and housing a restaurant for Alnwick Gardens, this building seems to grow out of the trees like some wonderful film set stage. Wooden shingles and planks create a range of patterns and for the photographer there is a lot to see.
Rose of beauty in a dark world 1
A rose beginning to pass its best still gives the opportunity to play with a few settings in the processing, so that the background is darkened to hide most of the foliage, while the colour of the rose is deliberately highlighted against the dark backdrop.
Keep looking - More to come!